Billy Elliot

The Alhambra

Somewhere among the little girls in tutus, plodding and stomping across the community centre floor, is a boy who can pirouette like a dream.

Billy Elliot was born to dance - but what will Dad say?

Here for a five-week run, Billy Elliot is the hottest ticket in town. Bradford's Alhambra theatre is the only Yorkshire date on the show's first ever UK tour.

The story of a boy from a northern mining town who discovers a passion for ballet is ultimately a big-hearted, feelgood show, but with more of a grittiness and political edge than the film which inspired it.

Set against the 1984/85 miners' strike, it's a tale of chasing a dream, but hopelessness and rage are never far away. The backdrop is a close-knit community struggling to fight pit closures and bitter divisions on the picket line.

Woven throughout are the conflicting themes of aspiration and social despair that characterised the Eighties. Billy fights to realise his dream of joining the Royal Ballet, while his mining community crumbles around him.

Grief hangs over Billy's family. He yearns for his late mother and feels trapped in a household dominated by a bullish father and brother who have spent their life down the pits and are now losing hope.

Behind the show is the creative team from the film. Stephen Daldry's production is warm-hearted and inspiring but never twee. Writer Lee Hall's script sparkles with wit and pathos - although the colourful dialogue may shock the easily offended theatre-goer. And Peter Darling's dazzling choreography is a joy to watch, set to Elton John's stirring score, encompassing rock, folk and big number show tunes.

Dance drives the narrative beautifully, not least in Billy's frustration when he throws himself at a faceless row of police shields, moving with the anguish of a caged animal, and when the boy dances, poignantly, with his older self.

When I first saw this show in the West End I came away thinking: "Where do they get these amazing child actors from?" Any young actor playing Billy is required to meet high standards not just in dancing, gymnastics and singing, but also acting so well they can carry funny and incredibly poignant scenes - all in a Geordie accent. It would be a tall order even for a seasoned actor.

Eleven-year-old Matthew Lyons, from Yeadon, made it look effortless. He gave a terrific performance as Billy, lighting up the stage with every flick of his limbs. He's a big talent with an exciting career ahead.

Martin Walsh was hugely endearing as Billy's reserved, anguished dad, struggling to deal with everything he has known slipping away from him. When Mrs Wilkinson tells him: "The kid is gifted. What have you got to offer him? Mining?" he knows the industry has nothing left for him or his boys.

Annette McLaughlin was just right as jaded, world-weary ballet teacher Mrs Wilkinson, whose own lost passion for dance is re-ignited when Billy walks into her class. Lovely performances too from Scott Garnham as Billy's brother Tony and Andrea Miller as Grandma. The scene where she sang to Billy about her marriage, as the men of her youth made their way across the stage was beautifully done. And a fabulous performance too from young Samuel Torpey as sweet Michael.

This show is moving without being sentimental. It's about solidarity, with not an ounce of saccharine. Don't miss it.

Go Billy!

  • Billy Elliot is at the Alhambra until June 11. For tickets call 01274 432000.

Contains strong language and not recommended for children under eight.